Aerospace International talks to the Rt Hon Gerald Howarth, MP for Aldershot, Minister for International Security Strategy at the Ministry of Defence and a private pilot, about this year’s Farnborough Airshow, encouraging young people into the industry and why UK aerospace and defence exports will lead the way out of the deficit.

This is a full article published in Aerospace International: September 2010

Also high on the agenda at this year’s Farnborough airshow was ‘greener aviation’ and the efforts the aerospace industry is making in pushing forward exciting new developments in sustainable aviation. With aviation growth now set to resume, technologies such as newer ultra-efficient airliners, open-rotor engines and algae-based biofuels will be critical in balancing the worldwide demand for air travel with the need to reduce its carbon footprint. We interviewed two top-level executives - Dr Jean Botti, EADS and Charles Champion, Airbus about some of these ‘green’ developments in aerospace.

The final trade day of Farnborough International Airshow 2010 on Friday was ‘Futures Day’ dedicated to inspiring young people with special events, stands and activities. We caught up with Ian Godden, ADS and Sir Roger Bone, Boeing UK to quiz them about what the industry is doing to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. Go To Item

Day 4 of the Farnborough airshow and the weather finally turned, with a torrential downpour that sometimes made hearing what people were saying difficult in the halls. The press conference frenzy also quietened down, allowing the aerospace media more time to fan out across the show for more in-depth interviews and one-to-one chats. Go To Item

With the sunshine and heat continuing, the third day of Farnborough airshow continued in an upbeat vein – at least for the civil sector. By midweek, the official show business figures had reported some $37.5bn worth of deals signed at the show, vindicating many attendees who said that the industry had survived the recession in fairly good shape and was now gearing up for the uptick. Go To Item

The RAeS Publications team report from #Farn10

Perhaps it was the sunshine that put optimism in the air. Perhaps it was yesterday’s arrival of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, or the flying display that including the Avro Vulcan, Red Arrows, A400M and F-22. Whatever the reason, there were a good few many aerospace executives feeling a lot more positive after this first day than at last year’s Paris airshow. Go To Item

It’s that time of year again, where every two years it seems the global aerospace industry decamps to Hampshire, UK, for the Farnborough International Airshow. Part cocktail reception, part travelling circus and part high-level business conference, it leaves the residents of Hampshire unable, for a whole week, to find a spare taxi driver, security guard or waitress, as this massive event hoovers up all in its path. Go To Item